<p>The trends of virtual-reality research in Japan are reviewed. Research on the application of virtual reality systems in three-dimensional imaging of software structures, remote control of construction robots, and molecular model design is discussed. A prototype of a plant monitoring system that uses camera images to provide a sense of being there, and experiments on the tactile senses of touch and pressure, are described. The space interface device for artificial reality (SPIDAR) is also discussed.</p>